Fiftieth anniversaries enhance the prestige of Sancti Spíritus Air Services

A group of seven workers from the National Air Services Company of Sancti Spíritus has accumulated over 57 years of uninterrupted experience in the sector, becoming a fundamental pillar of agricultural aviation in the region. Their dedication has ensured the continuity of air operations for food and tourism, as well as the training of new generations of pilots.

Omar Lorenzo Ríos, head of the Technical Department at the Sancti Spíritus Airport and a respected voice among the group, recalls the beginnings of this story, which dates back to 1968. “We were a group of 16- and 17-year-olds who, following the guidance of the national youth organization, went to study aviation in Havana. After a year of training, we joined the Sancti Spíritus aviation unit. Of that initial group, seven of us remained,” he explains.

The first day of work is forever etched in his memory: August 13, Commander Fidel Castro’s birthday. “We’ve never forgotten that date. We started as just kids, and today, on the centenary of his birth, we’re still here,” he adds.

Despite the passage of time and technological advancements, the group’s motivation remains undiminished. “We love aviation and are aware of the country’s need to maintain this service, which is fundamental for food production and tourism, especially for fumigation,” says Lorenzo Ríos.

The journey has not been without its challenges. The complexity of the sector and the rigor of the processes have demanded constant effort. “If it weren’t for the work of the analysts and ourselves, aviation here would have ground to a halt,” he asserts.

But perhaps the greatest legacy of these seven men is the transmission of their knowledge to younger generations. “We’ve trained a group of colleagues who have come through here, explaining everything we know so they can carry on and aviation doesn’t stop. Some see us as father figures, and that makes us very proud,” he confesses.

The dedication of these workers for over five decades is not only a personal feat, but a collective legacy for civil aviation in Cuba. “People sometimes ask us how old we are: 57 years, a lifetime. And we will continue, fighting alongside our colleagues and the younger generations to come,” concludes Omar Lorenzo Ríos.

These seven men represent the living memory of agricultural aviation in Sancti Spíritus, an example of perseverance, dedication, and passion for a profession that has shaped their lives and contributed to the development of the country.